.O.C

These three letters (which stand for "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée" - a mark guaranteeing the quality of french wines) were obtained thanks to a constant concern for quality at every stage in the wine making process.

Limited field size, the number of vines planted per acre, the grape production per acre, selection of the best grapes based on their contribution to the wine... all this translates into gustative pleasure for the consumer, with the assurance of savoring wines of the highest quality. The Minervois region is divided into four large zones based on differences of climate and soil :

To the east, in the area of the Mourels and the Serres, where the influence of the Mediterranean is predominant, the grapes used for red wines and rosés are Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, and primarily Mourvèdre. White wines come from Grenache, Maccabeo, and Bourboulenc.

In the central Minervois, where the Mediterranean influence is less pronounced (in the "Petit Causse, the terrasses of "l'Argent Double" and the "Balcons de l'Aude"), the red wines and rosés are produced from Carignan, Cinsualt, and Grenache grapes, with a strong proportion of Syrah grapes. As for the white wines, Maccabeo, Grenache, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, and Roussane are brought together to create its characteristic flavor of fresh fruit.

To the west, the Clamoux area, a transition zone with an oceanic influence, is planted with Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan for the red wines and the rosés, and with Roussane, Marsanne, and Maccabeo for the white wines.

In the higher altitude zone, areas of schist and chalky soil alternate. The one, the "Côtes Noires" produce white wines that are lively and fresh from Roussane and Marsanne grapes. The other, the region of "Causse" produce red wines and rosés with Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre grapes, and white wines with Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Grenache.